Multisource feedback to graduate nurses: a multimethod study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Professional Development
• Healthcare Performance Management

Background:

• Graduate registered nurses require continuous feedback for high-quality patient care in demanding clinical settings.
• Traditional performance appraisals often rely on single-source feedback, limiting developmental insights.
• Multisource feedback (MSF) offers diverse perspectives, crucial for novice nurse development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore graduate nurses' perceptions of multisource feedback's influence on their performance.
• To assess Clinical Nurse Educators' views on the feasibility and benefits of implementing MSF.
• To compare MSF with single-rater feedback in the graduate nurse context.

Main Methods:

• A multimethod study involving 24 graduate nurses in an Australian setting.
• Eleven graduates received structured MSF from four raters (Nurse Unit Manager, Clinical Nurse Educator, preceptor, self-appraisal).
• Thirteen graduates received standard single-rater appraisals; data collected via questionnaires and semistructured interviews.

Main Results:

• 94% of respondents found feedback crucial during the graduate year.
• MSF was perceived as more beneficial than single-rater feedback.
• Educators recognized MSF's value but noted challenges in rater engagement and feedback collation.

Conclusions:

• Multisource feedback is valued by graduate nurses and educators, supporting their professional transition.
• MSF positively influences graduate nurse development and role integration.
• Consideration of an MSF approach for graduate nurses is recommended, with further research on larger samples and experienced nurses.